Guide to the Serene Gili Asahan Lombok

Gili-Asahan foto coutesey of Gili Asahan Eco-Lodge
Gili-Asahan foto coutesey of Gili Asahan Eco-Lodge

Gili Asahan is a small island located southeast of Lombok Island. It belongs to Batu Putih Village in Central Sekotong District, West Lombok Regency. You’ll find it between some amazing natural spots — to the north is the Lombok Strait, to the south is Blongas Bay, to the west is Bangko-Bangko, and to the east is Gili Gede.

Here All you Need to Know about Gili Asahan Lombok

A Rich Natural Environment

Gili Asahan is home to unique natural ecosystems like seagrass beds and mangrove forests. The seagrass mostly grows along the southern, western, and northern shores. In fact, the island has 6 of Indonesia’s 13 known seagrass types — including Cymodocea rotundata, Enhalus acoroides, and Thalassia hemprichii.

You’ll also find mangrove trees growing here, especially Aegiceras corniculatum on the east coast and Rhizophora apiculata on the south coast. These ecosystems not only support marine life but also help protect the island from erosion and strong waves.

A Favorite Spot for Divers

Ilustration of Diving at Gili Asahan, Lombok

If you love diving, chances are you’ve already heard of Gili Asahan. It’s well-known in the diving community for its beautiful underwater world. One popular dive site is Secret Garden, known for its clear water (up to 25 meters visibility!) and strong currents. Divers are advised to follow their guide closely here. Secret Garden is a great spot for underwater photography — you can catch glimpses of colorful coral, fish, and even nudibranchs, those tiny, beautifully patterned sea slugs that divers love to spot.

Another well-loved diving spot is Sanking Point, where the water can be calm or have currents depending on the time of day. Here, you’ll find colorful reef fish, soft and hard corals, sea anemones, and other marine life. With visibility between 25–30 meters, it’s another great location for photographers.

There’s also Belongan, a unique dive site with coral pinnacles around 2 meters wide and 5 meters high. You might spot frogfish, lobsters, and other cool marine life. Even though the visibility here is a bit lower (about 10–15 meters), it’s still a great place to explore. Belongan is also perfect for night diving. When the moon is full, its light can actually shine into the water, creating a magical underwater experience. Expect to see squid, shrimp, crabs, and all kinds of fish.

More Than Just Diving

Ilustration of  Swiming and snorkeling at Gili Asahan, Lombok

Not into diving? No problem. Gili Asahan is just as perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or walking along the beach. The island is peaceful, quiet, and offers stunning views — a great place to unwind and recharge.

For adventure lovers, there are also small hills you can hike, where you’ll be rewarded with views of the ocean and nearby islands. Fun fact: Some of the wildlife on Gili Asahan is similar to animals found in Australia. That’s because the Lombok Strait is part of the famous Wallace Line, which marks the boundary between Asian and Australian species.

Untouched Natural Beauty

Gili Asahan isn’t crowded like some of the more popular Gilis (like Gili Trawangan or Gili Air), but that’s part of its charm. The beaches here are clean with soft white sand, the water is crystal-clear with a blue-green color, and the coral reefs are still alive and full of life. You can often see sea turtles swimming around too!

Fun Activities on the Island

Besides diving and snorkeling, there’s more to do here. You can go kayaking, try stand-up paddleboarding, or just chill on the beach and watch the sunset. It’s also a great spot for a digital detox — just you, nature, and the sound of the waves.

If you enjoy hiking, take a walk up the hills for some fresh air and stunning sea views. The peaceful surroundings and natural beauty make it easy to connect with nature.

Eco-Friendly Places to Stay

Even though Gili Asahan is quiet, it still has a few great places to stay. You’ll find bungalows and eco-resorts that blend perfectly into the natural environment. Many of them offer comfy rooms, fresh seafood dishes, and local Lombok specialties. You can try Gili Asahan Eco Lodge, perhaps and it’s a perfect match for anyone who wants to escape the busy city and enjoy nature without giving up comfort.

How to Get There

Getting to Gili Asahan is easy. From Lombok International Airport, head to Tawun Harbor in Sekotong. From there, you can take a traditional boat to Gili Asahan, which takes about 30 minutes. The boat ride itself is a treat — you’ll get amazing views of the sea and nearby islands.

Why You Should Visit

Gili Asahan is a peaceful paradise where you can enjoy the simple beauty of nature. Whether you’re into diving, beach walks, hiking, or just relaxing under a palm tree, it has something for everyone. It’s the perfect place for a quiet holiday with your family, partner, or close friends. So if you’re planning a trip to Lombok, don’t miss out on Gili Asahan. It might just be the peaceful, untouched getaway you’ve been dreaming of.

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One response to “Guide to the Serene Gili Asahan Lombok”

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